Kayak:

Actual Distance is 3.2 Km or 1.98 miles.
Download the Course Map

Pre-Race Meeting: There will be a pre-race meeting at 7:00 AM at the starting line (Riverside Park in Whitefish) for all competitors. The meeting will provide racers with the most up-to-date information on the race course and a review of all safety precautions. IT IS MANDATORY FOR All PARTICIPANTS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. The Glacier Challenge 2011 begins with the 10K leg at 7:30 AM.

Kayak Drop-off: It is recommended that paddlers have their boats at the starting point on the West Side of Riverside Park by 7:40 AM. [The first runner came in at 8:05 last year.]

Directions to kayak launch - Riverside Park: Take Hwy. 93 into Whitefish. Turn left at 5th Street. Cross over Central Ave. Riverside Park will be on your left at the next block.

Parking: There is a limited amount of parking at Riverside Park. Please park along Baker for equipment drop-off only and not for permanent parking. lot only to drop off and pick up your canoe. Parking is available in the lot on Central Avenue at Frampton/Morrison Building.

Equipment: Coast Guard approved life jackets are REQUIRED and MUST BE WORN for this leg of the race. All life jackets are subject to inspection, and if found to be unfit, could lead to the disqualification of the participant and/or the team. No water ski belts will be allowed. There must be one whistle per water craft.. Kayakers must be capable of performing a self-rescue (e.g. a roll) or be able to sit on top of the kayak. The boat must be paddled by one person with a double-bladed paddle as the sole means of propulsion. Paddlers must be able to handle their craft in all conditions. It is recommended that racers use a boat with which they are familiar. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather or possible immersion in the water. Event organizers are not responsible for any belongings left at race sites.

The Course: The course is approximately 1.98 miles in distance. Paddlers will enter the river from the west side of Baker Ave., heading toward Whitefish Lake. At entrance to lake, paddlers will steer toward the right toward buoy off water’s edge at Bay Point Estates.

Results: It is important for all racers to be visible to timekeepers when crossing the transition area. Timing of individual legs may vary based upon exchange area layout, which means personal times kept by racers may not correspond to official results.

Happy Racing!